Head’s hat trick, team defense key in OHS win over Aces

August 30, 2019 | 1:03 am

Updated August 30, 2019 | 3:03 am

Owensboro used team defense and a strong attack to shut out Owensboro Catholic on Thursday. | Photo by Ryan Richardson

Josh Head scored three goals and Paxton Jenkins added two, but defense was the key takeaway for boys’ soccer head coach Ryan Haley after Owensboro’s 7-0 victory Thursday in their home opener against Owensboro Catholic.

It’s the first shutout of the season for the Red Devils (4-3-1, 2-1 9th District), who have been forced to roll with different lineups since two of their top four defenders have been sidelined with injuries.

“We’ve let a lot of goals go in this season that we’d like to have back,” Haley said. “The emphasis tonight was to play as a unit.”
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For a full photo gallery from the game, click here.
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While he said the entire team played well, Haley pointed to the efforts of senior Reis Dickinson, who has been converted from wing to the center back.

“Being as new as he is to the line, he’s really controlling it very well,” Haley said. “He’s really the heart and soul of that back line right now. Without him doing what he’s doing, we’d probably allow a lot of goals.”

Another key for the Red Devils’ defense is senior midfielder Kevin Payne.

“Without him, we would have a lot of trouble,” Haley said. “Kevin really stops everything before it gets to the defensive line. He’s somebody that when he’s gone, I don’t know if we’ll tick.”

The Aces (3-3, 0-3) still managed to place six shots on goal, but they were playing defense for most of the night. They were able to hold Owensboro at bay for just more than 20 minutes before Head punched in his first goal with an assist from Payne.

“I thought Catholic did a very good job not chasing us,” Haley said of the Aces’ ability to stifle the Red Devils early. “When we would drop the ball back to our back line, they kind of bunkered down and didn’t chase us. They did a good job closing the gaps, basically the gateways to our midfield.”

A few minutes later, Grayson McFarland was able to sneak in a goal after collecting a ball that deflected off the right post and left a crowd scrambling in front of the net.

OHS made it 3-0 just before the half when Head streaked up the left side and sent a cross rolling through the box, where Jenkins booted in his first goal.

Head’s second goal came less than a minute into the second half and he scored another 15 minutes later, with assists from McFarland and Andrew Saltsman, respectively. Head now has a team-high 10 scores this season.

“I was just getting in between gaps and scoring, making sure my shots were on target tonight,” he said. “I’ve been able to find the back of the net (this season). It’s just a mindset and being focused. You just have to be smart and know when to go in.”

Haley said Head is a catalyst for the offense.

“He’s a fast player who’s good on the ball and he can score,” Haley said. “He’s a threat every time the ball is played to him. He’s really becoming a team player.”

McFarland earned another assist on Jenkins’ second goal with 10 minutes to play, and Baxter Brown came in off the bench to record the final score.

Haley said the Red Devils were excited for Brown, a senior who scored his first career varsity goal.

“He’s one of the team favorites,” Haley said. “Everybody loves when he gets in. It gives us life. He’s such a likable person it picks our team up.”

Owensboro will play another home game Saturday when they host Greenwood. Haley said the Red Devils are in the midst of a tough schedule, but he’s got confidence going forward.

“I think we’ve got a really competitive team that’s dangerous to anybody we play,” he said. “We’ve just got to sew up the patches defensively.”

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2019 soccer coverage is presented by Worth Insurance Group. 

August 30, 2019 | 1:03 am

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